MIL-DTL-14538D
2.3 Non-Government publications. The following documents form a part of this document to the
extent specified herein. Unless otherwise specified, the issues of the documents which are DoD
adopted are those listed in the issue of the DoDISS cited in the solicitation. Unless otherwise specified,
the issues of documents not listed in the DoDISS are the issues of the documents cited in the solicitation
(see 6.2).
AMERICAN SOCIETY FOR TESTING AND MATERIALS (ASTM)
ASTM B117 Operating Salt Spray (Fog) Apparatus (DoD adopted)
ASTM F22
Hydrophobic Surface Films by the Water-Break Test
ASTM F519 Mechanical Hydrogen Embrittlement Testing of Plating Processes
and Aircraft Maintenance Chemicals
(Application for copies should be addressed to the American Society for Testing and Materials, 100
Barr Harbor Drive, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959.)
2.4 Order of precedence. In the event of a conflict between the text of this document and the
references cited herein, the text of this document takes precedence. Nothing in this document,
however, supersedes applicable laws and regulations unless a specific exemption has been obtained.
3. REQUIREMENTS
3.1 Materials. Materials shall be selected by the contractor and they shall be of a quality
consistent with the end result and performance specified herein.
3.2 Basis metal. The basis metal shall be free from visible defects that will be detrimental to the
utility, appearance, or protective value of the plating.
3.2.1 Preplating operations. The contractor shall ascertain, prior to plating, that the items to be
plated have undergone all required heat treatments and mechanical operations (machining, welding,
brazing, forming, punching, grinding and similar operations). Unless otherwise specified in the contract
(see 6.2), no operations of the foregoing nature shall be performed on the items after plating nor shall
the plated items be further processed in any way, except in cases where threading operations are
required after plating.
3.2.2 Stress relief. Steel parts to be plated, having a hardness in excess of 40 HRC shall be
stress relieved prior to plating by heating in an oven or in oil for one hour or more at a temperature of
300oF to 500oF (149oC to 260oC). When this operation is omitted (see 6.2), the contractor shall
furnish or make available objective evidence that the operation has been performed previously. After
stress relief the hardness shall not be less than the initial hardness within the limit of error in taking
hardness readings.
3.3 Cleaning. All items to be plated shall be cleaned thoroughly. The cleaned surfaces shall pass
the water break test described in ASTM F22. Cleaning materials and methods shall be at the option of
the contractor. The cleaning operations shall be performed without measurable abrasion of the surface
and without contributing in any way to a defective end item.
3.4 Processing. The processing for the application of the black chromium finish shall be as
determined by the contractor. A solution that can be used for general application is outlined in 6.5.
3.4.1 Hydrogen embrittlement relief treatment. Steel parts that are surface or through hardened at
40 HRC and higher shall be given a hydrogen embrittlement relief treatment after the plating application.
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